Trotter wrote:I will post some images from my set when I get them, I expect them to have changed from the first printing of this box-set, this is because they are not available for purchase at the moment, either online or in book shops.

Attached are some images of the second impression boxed set. Hobbit is 4th impression and the others are 2nd Impression. The books seem to be about par for the course quality-wise. The slipcase is somewhat flimsy, as seems to be standard for HarperCollins at the moment.

Urulöké wrote:I did find notes from HarperCollins that say the LOTR set contain "brand new reproductions of all of Tolkien’s original drawings and maps" - any comments on the quality of reproduction for these would also be appreciated!

In terms of the maps, the front end paper of each book is the middle-earth map and the rear of each is a map of Rohan/Gondor/Mordor. I can't see anything special about any of these maps or the map of the shire, etc. Quality does not seem to be better than - say - the 2005 editions (which of course had nice fold out maps).

I'm not sure what HC are talking about with regards to these "brand new reproductions", but it seems to have little basis in truth. The Hobbit, obviously does not have any of the colour illustrations, improved or otherwise.

Don't buy this set because you think you are getting anything extra. You are getting less than earlier recent editions (i.e. no pages from the book of Mazarbul, no fold out maps, cheaper paper, no colour illustrations in 'The Hobbit'..).

It may be worth buying for the relatively nice design of the covers, depending on how much spare cash you have floating around.